If you have ever taken your children on a car trip for an hour or longer, you know that special considerations need to be made. If they are bored after five minutes, what will happen in an extended bug out situation? Thinking about their needs and wants ahead of time will help an already stressful situation to not escalate into an impossible one.

Kids Packs

The good news is that even though children need more stuff, they also come ready-made with additional hands to help carry it. However, you do need to be aware of realistic expectations. As a general rule of thumb, children should not carry much more than 10% of their own body-weight in a backpack. For a 30-pound toddler then, you want something that is about 3 pounds, whereas a 100-pound 12-year-old could handle about 10 pounds. You will want to put your kids and the finished pack on a scale separately to make sure you do not overload them, which could cause injury and fatigue.

This is another great opportunity to get your children involved in the process of preparedness. Let them pick out their own backpacks and have some input on what goes in it. Depending on their age, they may be able to pack the whole thing themselves and just have you review it together. It may make a great activity for them while you are putting the finishing touches on your own Evac Pack. Here are some ideas to consider:

● Sippy cup with a pouch of water (if you just fill a cup with water it will go bad and be “plasticy” tasting).

● Favorite candy bar or snack

● Coloring book and crayons

● Warm socks with their favorite story/cartoon character

● For older children, a small notebook and pen for a journal

● One or two family photos

● A compass and map

● Emergency contacts (not only yours, but other relatives as well in case you are evacuating due to weather or local event and your child is separated from you)

Be sure to put some masking tape on the outside of the pack with the date it was last checked over. Maybe even tie this to a yearly family ritual (such as when you drag out the holiday decorations, you also check your emergency packs, or on your child’s birthday, they can switch out one item in their pack for a more updated toy or book). Always review emergency plans for various scenarios – and let kids know that in the event of a fire even their special backpack needs to stay behind!

If you are ever faced with an emergency that requires evacuation, stay calm, and maintain consistency as much as possible. Do you have a bed-time story you always read? Make sure you have it with you so it can still help them go to sleep. Is 8 pm the typical bedtime? Try to make a way for that to happen at least for the kids, even if you are driving through the night. Find a way to make a game out of the experience. Children will look to you for a response to stress and example is 90% of parenting. Plan ahead and take their needs into consideration and even the worst of times will be a little bit better.

If you liked this article you may be interested in this product from our sponsor.

Like us on Facebook

Off The Grid Gear

How To Turn Your Home Into A Fortress!
Today, you’re in more danger than ever before of becoming a victim of a crime. Step outside your home and count two houses to your left. Now count two houses to your right. Between you and your four neighbors, chances are that at least one of the five households will experience a break-in… or worse, a home invasion. Every year, there are over 8,000 home invasions in North America. There’s probably nothing more terrifying than a home invasion. Ask anyone whose home has ever been robbed what if feels like, and they’ll say it feels like they were violated. Sadly, that’s not just a metaphor–all too often, it’s literal. Because not only do criminals violate what should be your sanctuary from the world and walk away. Learn More »

New Ultra Efficient Water Filter Fits In Your Pocket!
Without a doubt special ops paratroopers endure some of the harshest conditions on earth. And when they need clean water, elite soldiers are choosing the Paratroopers Water Purifier -- the smallest, lightest, and most durable water purifier on earth! It’s so small and lightweight you can easily carry it in your pocket or purse, backpack or glove box. What’s more, it’s just as effective at purifying water as larger, more expensive units! Learn More »